The International Schools Review Forum

Hi All,
does anyone have information on New International School Bangkok? I'm hearing great things about ISB but I've also read on an expat website that this is a really good UN school (per parent comments). I've also read that it is truly international since it's connected with the UN. A negative is that it is located in downtown Bangkok so the location is not so desirable since most Americans prefer the planned community in the suburbs near ISB.
Also, are there any desirable S. American communities for small children? I know there are schools with fair enough savings potential but they're all in big cities? It's too bad that a diverse and interesting continent like S. America has a weak international school system.
Finally, what about the schools in Bermuda? How is teaching there?
I want to teach internationally, but I also want a laid back lifestyle for my kids. Are most of the good schools really as high-stress as they sound? Are the work loads reasonable? Both my husband and myself are highly successful educators but we DO NOT want anymore work related stress than we have here in the states.
Any and all insight is greatly appreciated.

Schools vary greatly in their expectations and students vary in their expectations as well. We have taught at two Asian schools, one was fairly stress free and the other has been fairly stressful, maybe an 8 out of 10. The school we taught at in Europe was about a 5 out of 10 in its expectations and the stress it placed on staff.

You need to identify specific schools and then attempt to contact teachers that are currently working there. This will help you gauge the stress level more accurately.

I have never worked in Bangkok but have heard good things about NIST and I don't think living in Bangkok itself would be totally negative. I live in burbs of another major Asian city and there are often times I find myself wanting to live downtown.

I also think you need to understand that going overseas for the first time has the potential to be stressful, no matter where you go, with kids. You need to be prepared for that from Day 1. Of course much of that stress will disappear as you acclimate.

Good luck in your search